Cheno/Night, by Juan Cruz

Artist Statement

My work explores a "Sacred Space" or "Holy Space” cultivated and left behind by my ancestors as a gift, an endowment, a testament to their spirit, culture and sacrifice. Within this space, I honor, pray, empty my heart and dance with the night. This body of work represents a communion in infinite space. It reflects what is, what was, and what always will be.

Mi trabajo explora un "Espacio Sagrado" cultivado y dejado por mis antepasados como un regalo, una dotación, un testimonio de su espíritu, cultura y sacrificio. Dentro de este espacio, honro, rezo, vacío mi corazón y bailo con la noche. Este cuerpo de trabajo representa una comunión en el espacio infinito. Refleja lo que es, lo que fue y lo que siempre será.

Artist Bio

Juan Cruz is a Dallas-based artist and educator that creates sculptures, paintings and drawings. He’s had the opportunity to exhibit at Brookhaven Community College, Richland Community College, 500X, Latino Culture Center, Ash Studios, Texas Wesleyan University, University of North Texas and Mary Tomas Gallery. Cruz graduated with an Associate Degree of Arts from Brookhaven Community College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Texas.

In 2018, Cruz worked with the city of Dallas and received the Cultural Artist Program (CAP). At the end of 2018, Cruz studied abroad in Florence, Italy. In 2020, he pioneered the first virtual workshop with the Dallas’s Office of Arts and Culture. And in 2023, Cruz worked with Dallas Welcoming Communities and Immigrants Affairs in the Annual All-American City Award competition.

Cruz’s work focuses on traditional art mediums that explores architecture, technology, and ichthyology. Furthermore, it questions classical art and architecture in the history of art. His goal is to inspire and motivate the future generation in creating an art that breaks away from the “normal”, the “usual”, and to create an art form that asks questions.

Juan Cruz currently teaches painting at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.